Wrinkles can detract from a woman’s confidence in her appearance but are rarely medical emergencies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some moms may opt to ignore these signs of aging or cover them up with makeup, while others may ask their doctors for medication or even consider extensive removal procedures including microdermabrasion. Paying attention to skin care doesn’t necessarily guarantee a wrinkle-free life but may reduce the chance of significant wrinkling.
Identification and Types
Wrinkles are usually located on the face, according to the Mayo Clinic. The mouth, neck and eye areas are especially susceptible to skin wrinkling. Some wrinkles appear as light creases while others may look more like deep crevices.
Causes and Risk Factors
Age plays a major role in skin wrinkling, according to the Mayo Clinic. As a woman ages, her skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Cigarette smoking and too much sun exposure can also cause wrinkles even among young women.
Prevention
Daily skin moisturizing can go a long way toward preventing wrinkles as you age, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also, every time you go out into the sun for outdoor adventures or sunbathing, you should apply a highly protective sunscreen, even during the winter months. Wide-brim hats and long-sleeved clothing can also help protect your skin against wrinkles and in some cases, even cancer. Finally, try to select as many cosmetics as possible that incorporate a little sunscreen.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Considerations
Trying to treat your wrinkles at home with over-the-counter creams will likely only give you a lot of disappointment, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any over-the-counter cream or similar treatment for reducing wrinkles.
Types of Medical Treatments
Cosmetic wrinkle filler injections, prescription medications, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion can all potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Moms and grandmoms alike seeking such remedies should speak to a qualified medical professional, perhaps a dermatologist or credentialed plastic surgeon. Most wrinkle filler injections including Botox and collagen varieties come with a significant risk of side effects, including, but not limited to, skin death, allergic reactions, scarring and infections. Also, Botox is derived from the same bacterium that causes the serious cases of food poisoning known as botulism; women who have Botox injections can contract botulism, which could lead to death, according to MedlinePlus.
Photo Credit
- woman image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
